Council investigating tree poisoning at Point Vernon

Fraser Coast Regional Council is investigating a mass tree poisoning over a 150-metre long stretch in Mant Street at Point Vernon, near where previous poisonings have occurred.

The latest incident comes a year after Council removed a fence and educational banner that was installed around the site of tree poisonings in the area that were first detected in 2018.

Cr David Lewis said Council officers had sent samples away for testing, but it appeared to be a deliberate and brazen act of environmental vandalism including ground spraying and holes drilled to fill the trees with poison.

“It is so sad and disappointing to see tree poisonings happening again in Point Vernon, albeit in a slightly different location,” he said.

“The trees are valuable to all of us. They are home to wildlife, provide shade and protection from the wind, and are on an embankment directly above community parklands with barbecues and a children’s playground.

“Council is discussing this latest incident with the police and will conduct a detailed investigation to determine what has happened and what needs to happen now with some very large mature trees already dying off.”

Cr Lewis said Council planted over 2000 seedlings in Mant Street in 2021 and removed the temporary fencing in September 2022 after revegetation and rehabilitation of the previously poisoned area progressed well.

“Officers will provide a formal report to Council with recommendations about what steps should be taken in response to this latest poisoning incident,” he said.

“Council officers have increased surveillance of this site and other high-risk vandalism sites in the region.

“Every incident of tree vandalism impacts every ratepayer as Council has to spend time and money testing and investigating, and then replanting and rehabilitating the area.

“We urge anyone with any information about this latest tree poisoning incident to contact Council on 1300 79 49 29 or email enquiry@frasercoast.qld.gov.au”